Optimisation of a cylindrical container

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around optimizing the design of a cylindrical container with a fixed volume of 400 mL, focusing on minimizing the cost of materials used for its construction. The cost of the ends and side walls of the container is differentiated, with specific rates provided for each surface area component.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the volume and dimensions of the cylinder, attempting to derive a cost function based on the given rates. There is an exploration of differentiation to find critical points and questions regarding the validity of negative radius values.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the mathematical derivations and questioning each other's calculations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the differentiation process, and there is an acknowledgment of potential errors in the calculations. Multiple interpretations of the derivative results are being explored.

Contextual Notes

There is an ongoing discussion about the implications of negative values in the context of physical dimensions, as well as the accuracy of the derived expressions for cost and derivatives. Participants are also reflecting on potential typos and misunderstandings in the calculations presented.

pavadrin
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Hey
I am given the set volume for a cylindrical container and separating pricing for the material used to construct the container, the base and the side wall. The ends of the container cost $0.05 per cm2 and the side walls $0.04 cm2, and the volume is 400 mL. The question asks: What is the best design for the container i.e., measurements to ensure that cost is at a minimum.

_________________________________

my working:
V = 400 mL
Ends costs $0.05 per cm2
Side wall costs $0.04 cm2
Area of ends = [tex]2 \pi r^2[/tex]
Area of side wall [tex]2 \pi r h[/tex]
V = 400, therefore since V = [tex]\pi r^2 h[/tex], [tex]h = \frac{400}{\pi r^2}[/tex] (1)
Cost for one container = [tex]0.05 (2 \pi r^2) + 0.04 (2 \pi r h)[/tex] (2)
Therefore substituting (1) into (2), cost = [tex]0.05 (2 \pi r^2) + 0.04 (2 \pi r \frac{400}{\pi r^2})[/tex]
Differentiating the cost function gives: [tex]\frac {dC}{dr} = 0.2 \pi r + \frac {96}{r^2}[/tex]
The value of [tex]r[/tex] where there is no rate of change = -5.34601847

_________________________________

I am not sure if what I have done after and including the differentiation is correct. Since I have got a negative answer for the value of r, I am thinking that what I have done is wrong, as you cannot have a negative radius. Would the second derivative help with the sloving this equation, if so how?
Many thanks,
Pavadrin
 
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pavadrin said:
Hey
I am given the set volume for a cylindrical container and separating pricing for the material used to construct the container, the base and the side wall. The ends of the container cost $0.05 per cm2 and the side walls $0.04 cm2, and the volume is 400 mL. The question asks: What is the best design for the container i.e., measurements to ensure that cost is at a minimum.

_________________________________

my working:
V = 400 mL
Ends costs $0.05 per cm2
Side wall costs $0.04 cm2
Area of ends = [tex]2 \pi r^2[/tex]
Area of side wall [tex]2 \pi r h[/tex]
V = 400, therefore since V = [tex]\pi r^2 h[/tex], [tex]h = \frac{400}{\pi r^2}[/tex] (1)
Cost for one container = [tex]0.05 (2 \pi r^2) + 0.04 (2 \pi r h)[/tex] (2)
Therefore substituting (1) into (2), cost = [tex]0.05 (2 \pi r^2) + 0.04 (2 \pi r \frac{400}{\pi r^2})[/tex]
Go ahead and write this out: cost= [tex]0.1 \pi r^2+ \frac{32}{r}[/itex]<br /> <blockquote data-attributes="" data-quote="" data-source="" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> Differentiating the cost function gives: [tex]\frac {dC}{dr} = 0.2 \pi r + \frac {96}{r^2}[/tex] </div> </div> </blockquote> Not quite. It gives [tex]\frac{dC}{dr}= 0.2 \pi r- \frac{64}{r^2}[/tex].<br /> Notice the negative sign! The derivative of r<sup>-1</sup> is -r<sup>-2</sup>.<br /> <br /> <blockquote data-attributes="" data-quote="" data-source="" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> The value of [tex]r[/tex] where there is no rate of change = -5.34601847<br /> <br /> _________________________________<br /> <br /> I am not sure if what I have done after and including the differentiation is correct. Since I have got a negative answer for the value of r, I am thinking that what I have done is wrong, as you cannot have a negative radius. Would the second derivative help with the sloving this equation, if so how?<br /> Many thanks,<br /> Pavadrin </div> </div> </blockquote> <br /> You should have [tex]r^3= \frac{0.2 \pi}{32}[/tex].[/tex]
 
oh i sort of get it now, well at least more than before, thanks
 
thanks for the reply, however I am not sure how u got the derivative of the cost being equal to [tex]\frac{dC}{dr}= 0.2 \pi r- \frac{64}{r^2}[/tex]. I am not sure on how to achieve the value of 64 as i get a value of 32. My derrivitive: [tex]\frac{dC}{dr}= 0.2 \pi r- \frac{32}{r^2}[/tex]. Could u please explain how this is achieved? help greatly appriciated
Pavadrin
 
Yes, I think that was a typo from Halls .
 
No, just stupidity!
 
okay, fair enough, we all make mistakes sooner or later
thanks anyhow
 

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